Russian airlineYakutia Airlineshas been approved by the U.S. and Russian governments to operate scheduled passenger and cargo service between Eastern Russia and Alaska. On July 12, the airline will inaugurate service between Anchorage and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, on Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula. The new flights are expected to draw sports fishermen and adventure travelers to this isolated region, renowned for its pristine rivers, volcanoes, geysers, rich native culture and unique wildlife. Travelers will be able to connect at Petropavlovsk to Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Yakutsk, and other destinations across Russia. The service is also welcomed by Alaskans, who share strong cultural and economic ties with Kamchatka and Eastern Russia. Yakutia Airlines will utilize Boeing 737-700 aircraft on the route. Flight time is about 4 ½ hours.